Troubleshooting
Coral Bells 'Palace Purple' problems — and how to fix them
Coral Bells 'Palace Purple' (Heuchera micrantha) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crown rot
The most common killer; caused by excess moisture around the crown — improve drainage and avoid mulching directly against the stem.
Vine weevil
Adults notch leaf margins and larvae eat roots; apply nematode biocontrols in late summer when soil is warm.
Foliar nematodes
Brown wedge-shaped patches between leaf veins; remove affected foliage, avoid overhead watering, and do not compost infected material.
Powdery mildew
White powdery coating on leaves in dry conditions; improve air circulation and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Heaving
Frost can push crowns out of the soil; firm back in spring and mulch around (not over) the crown before winter.
Prevent coral bells 'palace purple' problems before they start
Most coral bells 'palace purple' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Coral Bells 'Palace Purple' problems — FAQ
Why is my coral bells 'palace purple' crown rot?
The most common killer; caused by excess moisture around the crown — improve drainage and avoid mulching directly against the stem.
Why is my coral bells 'palace purple' vine weevil?
Adults notch leaf margins and larvae eat roots; apply nematode biocontrols in late summer when soil is warm.
Why is my coral bells 'palace purple' foliar nematodes?
Brown wedge-shaped patches between leaf veins; remove affected foliage, avoid overhead watering, and do not compost infected material.
Why is my coral bells 'palace purple' powdery mildew?
White powdery coating on leaves in dry conditions; improve air circulation and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Why is my coral bells 'palace purple' heaving?
Frost can push crowns out of the soil; firm back in spring and mulch around (not over) the crown before winter.